Fish oil improves ADHD symptoms
by Newsletter Editor
This study tested the effects of fish-sourced omega-3 EPA and DHA and plant-sourced omega-6 linoleic acid, on 90 children between the ages of 7 and 12 with ADHD. The children took EPA/DHA 1,109 mg/108 mg; EPA/DHA 1,032 mg/264 mg; or 1,467 mg of linoleic acid, per day. After four months, there were no significant differences between the groups for improvements in cognition, literacy, and parent-rated behavior.
However, in the high-DHA group, children had slightly better reading scores and less oppositional behavior compared to the other two groups. Also, in a subgroup of 17 children with learning difficulties, the high-DHA group had significantly better reading and spelling scores, was better able to divide attention, and their parents reported less oppositional behavior, hyperactivity, restlessness, and overall ADHD symptoms.